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CHP Speeding California Highway Patrol
Photo Courtesy of the CHP Newhall Area Office

Santa Clarita Law Enforcement Urge ‘Making The Right Call: Don’t Drink And Drive’ During Memorial Weekend, Maximum Enforcement Period In Place

With millions of southern California residents taking to the roads this weekend for Memorial Day, Santa Clarita law enforcement are urging residents to “make the right call: don’t drink and drive.”

As the nation honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is enacting a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) to make sure motorists obey the laws and reach their destinations safely.

“It’s the official kick off to Memorial Weekend,” read a post from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “If you plan on enjoying the holiday weekend consuming alcohol, please celebrate responsibly.”

The three-day weekend annually reflects a spike in traffic collisions, with almost half the amount of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, according to a study by the National Safety Council

“Nationwide, alcohol-impaired fatalities (involving blood-alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher) in 2020 represented 30 percent of the total traffic fatalities,” according to the National Safety Council. “During the 2020 Memorial Day period, 41 percent of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.”

On Memorial Day in 2008, a Bakersfield man was thrown from his vehicle during an alcohol-related collision on the 5 Freeway in our very own Santa Clarita Valley, according to a previous KHTS article.

Rafael Aguilar was a passenger in a Nissan Quest traveling northbound on the 5-Freeway just south of Gavin Canyon when the vehicle was hit by a driver who was under the influence.

The vehicle spun out of control, ejecting the unbelted Aguitar, who suffered fatal injuries. 

Although more than a decade ago, more than 14 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence on Memorial Day in 2021, and twice the amount of arrests occurred on Memorial Day in 2020 during the pandemic.

“Remember, there are options like taxi, rideshare apps, even the bus to help get you home safely,” read a post from the SCV Sheriff’s Station. “Help preserve the safety of the weekend, don’t drink and drive.”

Meant to serve as an additional precaution, CHP has enacted the Maximum Enforcement Period “to make sure motorists obey the laws and reach their destinations safely.”

“Memorial Day should be a time for honoring our fallen heroes and spending time with loved ones,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “It should never be marked by tragedy caused by car crashes. Please buckle up, follow all traffic laws, and arrive at your destination safely.”

CHP officers are expected to be patrolling throughout the state, monitoring the roadways for seat belt violations, distracted drivers, speeders and anyone suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to CHP officials.

Nearly two-thirds of all vehicle occupants killed in crashes within CHP jurisdiction last Memorial Day were not wearing a seat belt. In all, 35 people died in crashes during the 78-hour MEP across California.

Coinciding with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing “Click it or Ticket” seat belt campaign, the Memorial Day MEP should run from 6 p.m. Friday, May 27, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 30.


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Santa Clarita Law Enforcement Urge ‘Making The Right Call: Don’t Drink And Drive’ During Memorial Weekend, Maximum Enforcement Period In Place

One comment

  1. How about driving driving while under cell phone addiction! These Sheeple with their constant “BaBa” in their hand cause many traffic problems, as well as even simple walking problems!

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